Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The experiences of being imprisoned were etched into Luigi's mind, reliving the fear of being held over lava with no chance of escape and waking up in the dead of night screaming. The quiet was exceedingly frightening, after being left alone in a chamber with a large bed, all the lights were dim, and time felt irrelevant. Luigi was intrigued about what lay behind the doors, but he refrained from provoking his master any further. Nevertheless, something within Luigi triggered. He wished for Bowser to return soon, but he mentioned needing to handle something first, leaving me behind in the process.

'I can’t believe this jerk abandoned me right after we were done talking. Who knows where we are? I suppose now is better than never for a proper shower,' Luigi grumbled. Luigi lifted his head upon hearing the door open.

“Kamek, where is his majesty? ”

“His majesty will come back in a few weeks’ time, and until then, you are forbidden to leave this room for any reason at all!”

“Yes sir—”

“Don’t forget to wear these. I would place you elsewhere, but there are no other rooms, and his evilness would be displeased if his pet isn’t where he left you,” Kamek replied.

“Kamek, are the other captives doing okay? I realize it’s been some time since I was gone, but—”

“They are gone, all thanks to your brother. I guess he did us a favor choosing to abandon you,” Kamek laughed ominously before vanishing.

‘What? Mario abandoned me? That can't be true. He’s just trying to get to me, that’s all. I can't believe Kamek would be so impolite. I know Bowser saw me as an intriguing pet, but still. . . I'd prefer being a pet over being back in those dungeons,’ Luigi thought as chills ran down his spine, sensing that this was going to unfold one way or another. Luigi began progressing to the bathroom with the fresh garments Kamek provided him. He placed them on the toilet seat and turned on the warm water, testing the temperature before adding the bubbles. Luigi washed his soft body with the bubbles when suddenly a peculiar noise was heard along with a click and small feet pattering.

“Junior, what are you doing?” Luigi submerged himself under the bubbles. “I thought you were in your room. What are you doing here?” A tiny squeak escaped Luigi’s lips.

“I was, but papa didn’t return, so I thought I’d annoy mama!”

“Junior, I’m not your mama. I’m just a worker here, not a parental figure.” He lacked the heart to inform Junior that he was merely Bowser's pet, considering Junior’s young age.

“Come on, mama, please don’t be unkind!” He wagged his small tail like an eager child about to receive candy.

"If I tell you I'll take on the role of your mother, will you allow me some peace to bathe?" He raised his eyebrow at Junior while they locked eyes until Luigi blinked.

"Yes, I've got a mama! " He dashed away, not glancing back like a typical child pestering their mother when she was trying to have her own time.

'He behaves just like a typical child, yet I can't even approach him without Bowser getting furious. The stars know he’ll incinerate me if he discovers that his son considers me his mother! '

Luigi thoroughly washed his entire body, quickly exiting the tub in case anyone else decided to disturb him again. He put on the clothes that were given to him, but the bottoms were tattered, which didn’t surprise him in the least.

Luigi stepped out and jumped back in fright, believing he caught a glimpse of Mario, but it was merely his imagination playing tricks. He suffered a mental breakdown. "Mario, where are you?" He hugged himself tightly, sobbing in a corner. "Please. . . please save me soon. Please tell me it’s not true, please." He rested his head on his knees, unable to lift his gaze from the anguish that tormented his heart at the notion of Mario truly abandoning him.

Eventually, Luigi exited the room and headed to the kitchen to prepare a meal, but he didn’t make it as he was assigned to tidy up the children’s room. Luigi proceeded to the children’s bedroom, which was vacant, and started cleaning it. Eventually, Junior discovered Luigi tidying up and posed a peculiar question. "Is Papa going to be returning home soon, Mama? I heard he's been captured by the Mushroom Kingdom. He won’t be coming back, so I want to rescue him with your help, Mama!"

"This is what Kamek meant when he mentioned he would be gone for a few weeks, so I have to get ready for his return before Junior does. " Junior grinned enthusiastically and bounced up and down, exclaiming, "Yes, we will! ! !" His smile was as adorable as a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

"Listen, Junior, your Papa is in a rather precarious situation, so don't get your hopes too high." Later that same day, Kamek inquired, "What did you tell him, Luigi? Are you aware of how reckless he was? He could have been harmed or worse!"

"I’m really sorry, Kamek. I thought that by telling him, he would show some patience. This is entirely my fault."

"Why would you even tell him in the first place? He is just a child. Did you think he wouldn’t act recklessly? " Luigi looked down in shame. He should have kept his distance from Junior, and now he was hurt because of him.

"You will be held in the towers until further notice. Obviously, you need some time to yourself."

Luigi sighed in his tower prison, looking down at all the townsfolk he could assist, but he began to sing.

It's some sort of love, it's some sort of fire

I'm already awake, but you elevate me further

You know I’m not mistaken, you know I’m not deceitful

We do it better, we do it better, indeed

And I have no issue if the world rotates quicker

The music’s louder, the waves grow stronger

If you allow me to show you the path

I’m thrilled to witness your excitement

I'll take you to a greater place

The music’s louder, the waves grow stronger

I have no issue if the world rotates quicker.

“Luigi sighed and turned away from the window, reclining back on the bed. 'I can't believe he was correct, and I should have been wiser. I was a fool. ' A guard entered to bring him his meal. Luigi gazed up and inquired, ‘Does His Highness hold me in as much disdain as Kamek? ’ He gazed at the ceiling with many thoughts racing through his mind.

“I couldn’t comment—”

“I’m merely a pet to him. He likely has no affection for me like he does for her. ”

“Sir, if I may say, he gazes at you with a look I’ve never seen directed at anyone, not even the princess. Perhaps he holds far more fondness for you than you think.” There was an abrupt interruption with a loud cough to gain their attention.

“Your Highness, you’re back!” Luigi looked down to avoid making eye contact with His Highness.

“Your Majesty, you have at last returned! How did you manage to—”

“That is not your business. Leave now. I wish to converse with my pet,” His Highness said with hostility in his tone, before turning his gaze to Luigi, whose body shook before him like a deer caught in headlights. The guard nodded in acknowledgment as he quickly exited, leaving the two alone to talk.

“Your brother is a fool; as far as he's concerned, you’re dead. You are merely a pet to amuse myself whenever I choose. Do not let your emotions mislead you; you will be here for the remainder of your miserable existence. ”

“I comprehend, Sir. There are no emotions. I am simply yours to use at your discretion.” Luigi averted his gaze, biting his bottom lip from fear and anger towards His Highness.

“You will also be on babysitting duty with Junior since there is no one else who can fulfill that role.” He looked down at Luigi, bewildering the poor man's emotions.

“Certainly, Your Highness. I must prioritize your desires and needs above my own.” There was a tone of sadness in his voice, prompting Bowser to frown as he observed his pet in a sorrowful state. However, he cannot allow these inconsequential feelings to interfere with his sole objective.

“I will take my leave now. You are still confined,” he said with uncertainty tinged with sadness.

“I will return to the room for now. Just ensure you are downstairs for dinner tonight and do not create any further issues.”

"Oh, one more thing: do not ever talk to my son again, unless you wish to find your head on a stick the next time."

"Understood, master," Luigi's voice trembled as he walked away, displaying no feelings, not wanting to betray anything.

The following morning, Luigi rushed to the bathroom, vomiting as soon as he woke up. Shock overwhelmed Luigi.

"It probably is food poisoning from yesterday evening.” 

Luigi stood up, and when a guard entered with his breakfast, he noticed Luigi appeared ill. After closing the door behind him, he went to inform his Highness.

The guard was confronted by Kamek. "What are you doing going to his Highness? Did his pet instruct you to do this?" He gave a suspicious glare.

"No, sir! It's just that something seems wrong with him. He looks paler than normal, and he’s eating significantly less."

"I understand. I will have to address this. You may be dismissed now." Watching the guard exit, he proceeded to check on Luigi.

Kamek placed his hand on Luigi, and he was feverish. He was evidently unwell. He attempted to use his magic to heal him, but nothing was effective. He could not identify the reason for this and concluded that hiding it from Bowser was unavoidable.

"Are you certain you cannot identify what is causing his unexpected illness? "

"No, your Highness, but I can attempt to ascertain the cause. "

"Please do, and do not disturb me again. I’m occupied.”

"Certainly, your impoliteness." He disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Bowser to his thoughts.

Chapter Text

"Regrettable news, your highness. Your pet has fallen gravely ill. I'm unable to ascertain what might have caused this. I've done everything within my power, yet he seems perfectly fine! " Kamek communicated with worry in his tone, as this was completely unacceptable.

"What do you mean you are certain you can't identify what's wrong with him, Kamek? You're the most skilled magician we possess, and you can't uncover the issue! He is my pet. I insist my pet remains healthy and alive. I cannot permit this to occur, especially now that our kingdom is under a temporary peace treaty and my pet, our only advantage, is unwell! " He shouted furiously.

"I apologize, your highness. It's just that I suspect he may have consumed something harmful that we are unaware of, or his confinement may be affecting him mentally and causing stress." Bowser exhaled while massaging his temples. "Naturally."

"Your majesty, I will take care of the pet and keep you updated about the condition following your meeting with the princess and her red knight, so they don’t grow suspicious. I will only approach you if it’s an emergency, sire."

"Thanks, Kamek. You are excused, as I have a princess to attend to," he muttered, feeling compelled to handle all this, but it was essential to keep Luigi’s whereabouts hidden from anyone except Kamek and himself. He refused to relinquish his cherished pet just yet.

"Bowser stood up after delaying his entrance for as long as he could and proceeded directly to the meeting room, confronting the stares of the red menace and a very dissatisfied Peach. "

"Did you overlook that today is when we begin negotiations?" she reprimanded him for his inattentiveness. "We must complete this today. You made that abundantly clear with everything that has transpired. You're quite fortunate we were able to establish this arrangement after baseless suspicions."

"Princess, I understand how vital this matter is. I had some unexpected issues to resolve prior to my arrival today," he replied. The princess bore an expression that unmistakably revealed her distrust towards the koopa.

"And please enlighten us regarding what that issue is," Peach insisted, though she clearly needed to form some kind of trust.

"Well, princess, I recognize how much your consort misses his brother. Therefore, with this forthcoming peace treaty, I am hoping to offer you some leads to find him," he explained. This was an obvious falsehood, yet the princess and Mario remained unaware of it. Princess Peach surrendered, pleased that there was a chance of making this work. But Mario was too wise to place his trust in him.

"Did you ever find my brother?" Mario glared at him, maintaining unwavering eye contact with Bowser. Bowser experienced a chill run down his spine. He was reluctant to provoke Mario, but he was far beyond that now. He had deceived them both, and if Luigi’s whereabouts were uncovered, that peace would be destroyed. However, Bowser’s army remained unmatched. He needed to keep his pet concealed for a little while longer.

"We found his last known location, but you won’t be happy about it," Bowser declared with a cold tone. "As you know, we cannot disclose that during the temporary truce. A real peace agreement would need to be established. "

"But why is that necessary? You could just tell us!" Mario yelled at Bowser, making Peach flinch; she understood his meaning, yet that was simply the reality of the situation.

"Because, Red, it would breach our temporary peace treaty. It’s not possible unless we create a genuine alliance," Bowser explained to Mario. That was the truth, and he didn’t like it one bit.

"My brother means everything to me, and if you believe for even a second that you aren’t hiding him and are betraying us, I assure you that your head will suffice to ensure his safety. My brother is worth far more than a cursed treaty, but you wouldn’t understand that, would you?" Bowser bared his teeth at Mario in a warning manner.

"Do not underestimate me, small one. He holds no value to anyone else but you," Bowser acknowledged that this was a bold lie that, hopefully, he could someday come to terms with.

"Ahem, your severity. I apologize for the interruption, but may I speak with you privately for a moment?" Kamek inquired of his highness, weariness evident in his voice.

In another part of the castle, distant from the conversation, “Mama, I brought you some food. I hope this helps with your illness!” Junior spoke kindly. Luigi smiled at Junior after finally awakening from his long sleep of 48 hours.

“Your father hasn’t arrived, has he?” Junior shook his head and showed a drawing of Luigi, Bowser, and himself in the center, illustrating a happy family.

“Junior, you should go before your father gets upset. I just need some time to recuperate as best I can, alright? I can’t have my favorite Koopa getting ill too, can I?” He gave a faint smile to Junior, who responded with a cheerful grin.

“Of course, Mama!” Junior noticed that his mama looked very pale and unwell.

Junior left his mama's room and set off to locate his papa in hopes of convincing his father to visit mama, but stopped when he overheard Kamek and Bowser’s conversation.

“Kamek, if these discussions go well, we can eliminate the human. His presence here will create a significant problem. We need him gone now!”

Junior felt upset that his father wanted to separate himself from his mama. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he appeared.

“Papa? Why are you saying such hurtful things about mama?” The tears on Junior’s cheeks were noticeable to Bowser. He understood he had made a mistake. Junior had formed a bond with Luigi as his mother, due to their secret moments spent together.

“Junior—”

He was cut off when a door slammed shut suddenly. Kamek sighed and glanced at Bowser.

“Your highness, I must inform you that it appears Junior has developed a bond with your pet, seeing him as his mother, despite having been told otherwise.”

Bowser was shocked by this revelation. “How long has this been occurring? ” he asked with annoyance and confusion.

“I am unsure, my king. ” Kamek felt his body shiver with dread as his blood ran cold.

Bowser said to Kamek, “I will deal with this after the princess leaves. This is not the right moment for this. Make sure you put him in his place.” Bowser looked at Kamek with his crimson eyes, which had turned dark, and with that, Kamek disappeared. Bowser then returned to the meeting, and Kamek appeared before a guard at Luigi's chamber.

“Is he still inside?” Kamek’s anger resonated in his voice, and the guard replied nervously, “Y-yes, sir, he remains in confinement. ” Kamek angrily entered the room, noticing the human who could barely stand, let alone leave the bed.

“Kamek! I-I attempted to keep him away, I promise! ” Fear was evident in Luigi's tone. “I understand, but you've crossed a boundary. You're on unstable ground. Keep your distance from him at all costs, or I will take care of it myself.” His warning frightened Luigi, causing him to leap from bed as he shrank back from Kamek, scared. “Fortunately for you, Junior inadvertently formed a bond with you. Now we need to cut the connection, and you will be removed. Do you understand? ” Luigi nodded in agreement, paling like a Boo. “Good. Now I have important matters to attend to. Do your best and be a good pet for your master.” Kamek disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving Luigi wide-eyed, internally panicking.

Junior quietly entered his mother’s room to check on her, but what he saw alarmed him – his mother was bleeding from her wrists. Why was his mama bleeding so profusely? Junior hurried in and hugged his mother.

“Junior, I told you to go. You shouldn’t be here,” Luigi rested against Junior.

“No, you’re badly hurt. Why doesn’t papa notice it? You’re injured, mama, you need help!” Luigi’s eyes widened as he covered Junior’s mouth.

“Junior, please go. I am not your mother, and your presence will only make things worse, alright? I’m pleading with you to leave,” Luigi weakly begged, feeling powerless. Junior thought it wise to exit but was stopped by Bowser as he was leaving his mother’s room.

“Junior, you must stop visiting him,” Bowser was cut off by his son.

“Why? Mama has shown me nothing but kindness. Mama pays attention to me and wants to play, but he always gets hurt because of it. Why must Mama suffer because of me?” he shouted at his father, tears falling from his large beady eyes. Bowser felt like a thousand daggers had pierced his chest. Truly, the feeling stung Bowser’s pride and ego.

“Junior, you must end this foolishness. He is a pet, a captive. He is not your mother!”

“I hate you, papa! ” He ran away in tears from both of them as Kamek approached to investigate the commotion; Junior rushed past him, clearly crying. So he decided to do what any reasonable creature would do: eavesdrop. Bowser glared at Luigi as he whined like a deer caught in headlights. He couldn't contain his anger toward him.

“Luigi-” he was abruptly interrupted by Luigi turning away from him; he was hiding something, but all that reached Bowser’s nose was blood.

“Please just leave me alone.” Bowser was unsure how to feel in that moment, but he opted to make the wise choice and give Luigi some distance. He glanced over at Kamek.

“How much did you hear?” Bowser couldn't help but ask how long Kamek had been there and what all he had overheard.

“Your Highness, perhaps it's time you tell him the truth. He has become confused due to this entire situation with-”

“Kamek, you’re aware that it’s better not to mention that subject.”

“Certainly, your silliness. And how do you plan to justify this, then? He was holding a lifeless toad that seemed to be disguised as a Koopa troopa. They were gathering information on our latest endeavor, and Luigi is considered dead and could’ve been used against us, raising alarm, which would make things more complicated than they already are. At least, he is less trouble than his value,” Kamek murmured the last remark softly so Bowser wouldn’t catch it. Bowser could only huff in fury as he stormed away.

Luigi made his way to the bathroom with his room smeared in blood. He thought he could manage this, but it was merely his imagination. Luigi secured himself in his room, weeping and confused about why Bowser wouldn’t accept him as he had just begun to fall for him. Luigi was slowly starting to lose his mind; being secluded for months was heavily affecting his mental state, which was clearly declining.

“King Bowser, I need to speak with you,” Kamek said anxiously.

“What is it this time, Kamek?” The king responded in a frosty tone.

“Your pet has hurt himself! He was becoming ill because he contained too much magical energy inside him!”

“Why is that an issue, Kamek?”

“Because there’s so much to learn about humans and this is unusual; he’s something completely different!”

“That’s enough; it's not our problem.”

“Your highness, I believe it’s wise for you to take action this time before it gets worse and before all of this nonsense with the prisoner; we need to eliminate him before he turns into a problem!”

The king reflected, but he realized from prior experience that no human could truly love him without consequences. He wouldn’t allow this human to make that mistake again, and with Junior involved, he wouldn’t take that chance once more.

“Please just make an effort. For everyone’s sake and the well-being of the kingdom, I implore you, Your Highness. ” Kamek departed the room, leaving the king alone with his thoughts, aware that this week was certainly going to be long.